Satheesan funds Pallassana girl’s prosthetic hand

Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan has stepped in to support nine-year-old Vinodini from Pallassana, who lost her hand during fracture treatment at the Government District Hospital a few months ago. Mr. Satheesan is funding a prosthetic hand for the girl.

Mr. Satheesan said on Monday that Vinodini’s prosthetic rehabilitation had begun at Amrita Hospital, Kochi, and that the cost of the prosthetic hand was fully covered.

He had promised the family that he would bear the expenses for her rehabilitation after learning about their financial difficulties.

The girl was taken to Amrita Hospital, Kochi, on Saturday morning, and her prosthetic hand was ordered from abroad. Mr. Satheesan said the payment for the hand was made on Monday, and it is expected to be ready within two weeks.

Meanwhile, the government sanctioned funds for Vinodini’s prosthetic rehabilitation on Monday. The Women and Child Development Department allocated the amount under the Mission Valsalya Regha scheme.

Minister for Health and Women and Child Development Veena George said the required funds would be provided from the Balanidhi, adding that ₹2 lakh had earlier been sanctioned from the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund.

Shelter India Charitable Trust has also offered a house to Vinodini and her family.

The incident occurred on September 24, when Vinodini fractured her hand while playing with her brother at their home at Pallassana. Although the hand was initially treated and plastered at the Government District Hospital, Palakkad, it worsened within a week and ultimately the hand had to be amputated at the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode.

The case sparked protests over the treatment. The government initially suspended two junior doctors. But the suspension was lifted after a few days following a strike threat by the Kerala Government Medical Officers Association.